Mandela Washington Fellowship available for young African leaders (YALI)

Applications are invited for Mandela Washington Fellowship available for young African leaders. Applicants must be between the ages of 25 and 35 at the time of application submission, although exceptional applicants younger than 25 will be considered. The Fellowship is available for six weeks of intensive executive leadership training, networking, and skills building, followed by a Presidential Summit in Washington, D.C. Up to 100 Fellows will remain in the United States for an additional six to eight weeks after their academic institute and Summit to participate in internships in the public, private and non-profit sectors with organizations throughout the United States. The application deadline is November 5, 2014.
Study Subject(s): Fellowships are awarded for skills development in one of three areas: Business and Entrepreneurship, Civic Leadership, or Public Management.
Course Level: Fellowships are available for academic coursework and leadership training.
Scholarship Provider: The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is a program of the U.S. government and is supported in its implementation by IREX.
Scholarship can be taken at: USA

Scholarship Description: Mandela Washington FellowshipThe Mandela Washington Fellowship is the flagship program of the President’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and embodies President Obama’s commitment to invest in the future of Africa. The first class of Mandela Washington Fellows arrived in June 2014 for six weeks of intensive executive leadership training, networking, and skills building, followed by a Presidential Summit in Washington, D.C. Through this initiative, young African leaders are gaining the skills and connections they need to accelerate their own career trajectories and contribute more robustly to strengthening democratic institutions, spurring economic growth, and enhancing peace and security in Africa. Selected Mandela Washington Fellows should be prepared for an academically and professionally challenging program.

Number of award(s): The Mandela Washington Fellowship, which began in 2014, will bring 500 young leaders to the United States in the summer of 2015.

Duration of award(s): Not Known

What does it cover? There is no fee to apply to the Mandela Washington Fellowship. If you are selected for the Fellowship, the U.S. government will cover all participant costs.

Financial provisions provided by the U.S. Government will include:
-J-1 visa support;
-Round-trip travel from fellow’s home city to the U.S. and other required travel;
-Customized academic and leadership institute;
-Concluding Presidential Summit in Washington, DC;
-Accident and sickness benefit plan;
-Housing and meals during the program; and
-A potential six to eight-week internship at the conclusion of the academic and leadership institute
(optional, and competitive for approximately 100 slots).
Please note that Fellows will be housed in university dorms or similar accommodations. Fellows may be expected to share a bedroom and bathroom with another fellow of the same gender. Most meals will be provided at campus cafeterias or restaurants, though participants may have access to a kitchen to cook some meals on their own. It is important that applicants are aware of these arrangements and that they are
comfortable with such accommodations. To the extent possible, care will be taken to ensure that any special requirements regarding diet, daily worship, housing, and medical care are satisfied.
Selection Criteria: The Mandela Washington Fellowship is conducted as a merit-based open competition. Selection panels will use the following criteria to evaluate applications (not in order of importance):
-A proven record of leadership and accomplishment in public service, business and entrepreneurship, or civic engagement.
-A demonstrated commitment to public or community service, volunteerism, or mentorship.
-The ability to work cooperatively in diverse groups and respect the opinions of others.
-Strong social and communication skills.
-An energetic, positive attitude.
-Demonstrated knowledge, interest and professional experience in the sector/track selected.
-A commitment to return to Africa and apply leadership skills and training to benefit the applicant’s country and/or community after they return home.

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